The Bold and the Beautiful Commentary

Current Two Scoops column

Sometimes love just ain't enough:
Bridge edged closer to endgame. Nicole, Zende, Sasha, Bill, and Wyatt all had wounds to lick. And Steffy got an offer that may be better than love!... Read the column now...

Brooke packed up her office at Forrester so that she could clear out of the building before Ridge found out that she was leaving. Katie begged her not to leave Forrester. Katie wanted her to reconsider her decision. Brooke said she couldn't see Ridge every day knowing he was with Taylor. Brooke admitted to Katie that it was a mistake to send Ridge back to Taylor.

Katie agreed and pointed out that he slept with Taylor after swallowing a handful of pills. Brooke said her relationship with Ridge started to fall apart after Phoebe died. She knew that Ridge blamed Rick for Phoebe's death. Brooke said she couldn't turn her back on Rick, and she knew that Ridge would never forgive him.

Brooke asked Katie to help out at Forrester because Eric was going to need her help. She also asked Katie to see if she could get Bill Spencer to back off. Katie perked up at the mention of Bill's name. Katie agreed to keep an eye on Bill, and she begged Brooke to promise that she would return to Forrester. Brooke looked reticent, but promised that she would return.

In Ridge's office, Ridge told Thorne and Felicia that the rumor that he was back with Taylor was true. Felicia and Thorne looked surprised, and Felicia offered her help. Ridge said that he needed to focus on getting the company back on track. He said he needed their help, but they both looked away and then explained that they were leaving Forrester. Ridge was shocked.

Eric entered the office, and Ridge wondered how his father could possibly allow Felicia and Thorne to quit. Eric said that he was hurt and disappointed, but there was nothing he could do to stop them. He told Ridge that they had to refocus because they had another problem. Brooke was planning on taking a leave of absence.

Ridge was surprised by the news. Eric wondered if Ridge realized what kind of toll his decision was taking on the company. Eric begged Ridge to talk to Brooke and ask her to stay with the company. Ridge said that his relationship with Brooke fell apart because of Rick. Eric left the office and so did Ridge.

Donna entered Eric's office and slipped her arms around him. She said that she was worried about Eric. She told him that he had tossed and turned all night. She felt it was her fault that his kids were leaving the company. She felt responsible. Eric wouldn't allow her to blame herself. He said that he loved her. Through tears, she vowed that she would help him turn the company around.

At Taylor's, Stephanie quizzed Taylor about her night with Ridge and the sleeping arrangements. Taylor shared that the family had a wonderful evening together laughing and talking. Stephanie pressed for more information, and Taylor admitted that she would not be initiating another night of sex. After the last time, it would be up to Ridge to start things up.

Stephanie warned Taylor that she needed to get out the slinky teddy because that's what Brooke would do. Taylor said that she was worried about Brooke's interference, but Stephanie said that she had spoken to Brooke about leaving Ridge alone. Brooke had told Stephanie that she wanted Ridge to heal. Taylor agreed they all needed to heal after Phoebe's death.

Stephanie thought that Ridge needed his family. Her phone rang, and it was Thorne. He spread the news that Brooke had decided to take a leave of absence from Forrester. Taylor and Stephanie shared their surprise. Stephanie said it was clear that Brooke would keep her word and stay away from Ridge.

In her office, Brooke remembered some happy times with Ridge as she packed up pictures. She daydreamed about times when they were young and single and sharing successes on the runway. She recalled happy times in their marriage. The door opened, and Ridge interrupted her daydreaming and insisted that she could not leave Forrester. The company needed her.

Brooke said that she couldn't see him at work. It was too painful. She said that she knew he had spent the night with Taylor. He admitted that he moved back in with Taylor and his kids. They needed time to heal as a family. Brooke wondered how they had gotten where they were. They were so far apart.

Just months before, they were at their rehearsal dinner preparing for their life together when Rick and Phoebe were in an accident. Their lives had completely changed. Ridge agreed. Brooke said she wanted to be with him again, but all they did was hurt each other. She regretted sending him back to Taylor, but she knew that he and his family had to heal together. She knew that he would never forgive Rick, and she couldn't side with him against her own son.

She pointed out that they were at a crossroads in life and going in separate directions. She said that she couldn't imagine her life without him. Ridge agreed, and he said he had expected to grow old with Brooke. She cried and added that they couldn't get past that Rick was driving the car when Phoebe died. Brooke said she knew that Ridge loved her, and she would always love him.

Brooke said they had to say goodbye. She walked toward the door, but Ridge grabbed her and they hugged as Brooke cried. Brooke went out the door, and Ridge sat down on a chair distraught. He shook his head.

Brooke packed up her office at Forrester so that she could clear out of the building before Ridge found out that she was leaving. Katie begged her not to leave Forrester. Katie wanted her to reconsider her decision. Brooke said she couldn't see Ridge every day knowing he was with Taylor. Brooke admitted to Katie that it was a mistake to send Ridge back to Taylor.

Katie agreed and pointed out that he slept with Taylor after swallowing a handful of pills. Brooke said her relationship with Ridge started to fall apart after Phoebe died. She knew that Ridge blamed Rick for Phoebe's death. Brooke said she couldn't turn her back on Rick, and she knew that Ridge would never forgive him.

Brooke asked Katie to help out at Forrester because Eric was going to need her help. She also asked Katie to see if she could get Bill Spencer to back off. Katie perked up at the mention of Bill's name. Katie agreed to keep an eye on Bill, and she begged Brooke to promise that she would return to Forrester. Brooke looked reticent, but promised that she would return.

In Ridge's office, Ridge told Thorne and Felicia that the rumor that he was back with Taylor was true. Felicia and Thorne looked surprised, and Felicia offered her help. Ridge said that he needed to focus on getting the company back on track. He said he needed their help, but they both looked away and then explained that they were leaving Forrester. Ridge was shocked.

Eric entered the office, and Ridge wondered how his father could possibly allow Felicia and Thorne to quit. Eric said that he was hurt and disappointed, but there was nothing he could do to stop them. He told Ridge that they had to refocus because they had another problem. Brooke was planning on taking a leave of absence.

Ridge was surprised by the news. Eric wondered if Ridge realized what kind of toll his decision was taking on the company. Eric begged Ridge to talk to Brooke and ask her to stay with the company. Ridge said that his relationship with Brooke fell apart because of Rick. Eric left the office and so did Ridge.

Donna entered Eric's office and slipped her arms around him. She said that she was worried about Eric. She told him that he had tossed and turned all night. She felt it was her fault that his kids were leaving the company. She felt responsible. Eric wouldn't allow her to blame herself. He said that he loved her. Through tears, she vowed that she would help him turn the company around.

At Taylor's, Stephanie quizzed Taylor about her night with Ridge and the sleeping arrangements. Taylor shared that the family had a wonderful evening together laughing and talking. Stephanie pressed for more information, and Taylor admitted that she would not be initiating another night of sex. After the last time, it would be up to Ridge to start things up.

Stephanie warned Taylor that she needed to get out the slinky teddy because that's what Brooke would do. Taylor said that she was worried about Brooke's interference, but Stephanie said that she had spoken to Brooke about leaving Ridge alone. Brooke had told Stephanie that she wanted Ridge to heal. Taylor agreed they all needed to heal after Phoebe's death.

Stephanie thought that Ridge needed his family. Her phone rang, and it was Thorne. He spread the news that Brooke had decided to take a leave of absence from Forrester. Taylor and Stephanie shared their surprise. Stephanie said it was clear that Brooke would keep her word and stay away from Ridge.

In her office, Brooke remembered some happy times with Ridge as she packed up pictures. She daydreamed about times when they were young and single and sharing successes on the runway. She recalled happy times in their marriage. The door opened, and Ridge interrupted her daydreaming and insisted that she could not leave Forrester. The company needed her.

Brooke said that she couldn't see him at work. It was too painful. She said that she knew he had spent the night with Taylor. He admitted that he moved back in with Taylor and his kids. They needed time to heal as a family. Brooke wondered how they had gotten where they were. They were so far apart.

Just months before, they were at their rehearsal dinner preparing for their life together when Rick and Phoebe were in an accident. Their lives had completely changed. Ridge agreed. Brooke said she wanted to be with him again, but all they did was hurt each other. She regretted sending him back to Taylor, but she knew that he and his family had to heal together. She knew that he would never forgive Rick, and she couldn't side with him against her own son.

She pointed out that they were at a crossroads in life and going in separate directions. She said that she couldn't imagine her life without him. Ridge agreed, and he said he had expected to grow old with Brooke. She cried and added that they couldn't get past that Rick was driving the car when Phoebe died. Brooke said she knew that Ridge loved her, and she would always love him.

Brooke said they had to say goodbye. She walked toward the door, but Ridge grabbed her and they hugged as Brooke cried. Brooke went out the door, and Ridge sat down on a chair distraught. He shook his head.

Thomas and Steffy manned the grills to cook for a family barbecue. Taylor asked Thomas if he needed help, and he said he had it handled unless she was afraid to trust him with the lighter fluid. Thomas apologized and realized that was not a topic about which he should joke.

Thomas expressed how happy he was that Ridge was home. Taylor cautioned Thomas not to get his hopes up about Ridge's return, because Taylor was not sure it was permanent. Thomas reminded Taylor he wasn't a kid anymore, and he realized Ridge might not stay. Thomas conveyed, however, that he and Steffy would do all they could do to facilitate their parent's reconciliation. Thomas felt certain that after the night he and Steffy had planned for their parents, Ridge and Taylor would end up even closer to one another.

Ridge expressed his sorrow to Steffy about his breakup with Brooke. Ridge said that in spite of what he and Brooke always believed about their relationship being destined, it appeared that love really could not conquer all. Steffy believed that Brooke realized Ridge could have something better than the fleeting moments of happiness he shared with Brooke. Steffy suggested the place Ridge could find lasting happiness was with Taylor, Thomas, and her, if only he would allow himself to be happy.

Ridge also shared his concern about Forrester Creations, and added the Brooke had taken a leave of absence right on the heels of Thorne and Felicia leaving the company. Ridge wondered what impact it would have on their family business.

Thomas and Steffy lit candles, and turned on soft music. When Ridge and Taylor arrived, they mentioned that they only saw two place settings. Steffy explained they both had plans and wouldn't be back until late.

When Thomas opened the lid of the grill, instead of burgers and hot dogs there were two silver plates. The kids had ordered the meal to be catered from a French restaurant Taylor and Ridge liked. Taylor pulled Thomas aside and suggested it was too soon to push Ridge into a romantic evening. She insisted Ridge was not ready to move on from Brooke.

Steffy apologized to Ridge and admitted that she and Thomas had messed up. Ridge assured her that they didn't mess up; he understood their hearts were in the right place. Steffy said it was her dream, and Thomas and Phoebe's too, for their parents to reunite. Ridge teased Steffy and asked if Phoebe told her that.

Steffy said Ridge would be surprised about the conversations she had with her deceased sister. She admitted that she still told Phoebe her dreams, hopes, and problems. Steffy confided to Ridge that she told Phoebe how safe she felt since Ridge moved back into their family home. Ridge sighed and hugged Steffy. He asked the kids to give him and Taylor a moment alone.

Ridge convinced Taylor that it would be a shame to let all the kids' efforts go to waste. He said they might as well enjoy the meal together. He turned the music on and offered his hand to Taylor to dance. She accepted and they danced around the pool. Thomas and Steffy watched gleefully from the bushes, delighted that their plan worked.

Nick and Bridget flipped through an article on Jackie's wedding to Owen entitled "Cougarlicious." The article speculated about Jackie's wedding to the much younger Owen. Nick seemed certain that Owen called the magazine in to cover their wedding for his own hidden agenda. Bridget commented that Jackie was glowing in the photos. Nick said it was a glow; it was alcohol, because he was convinced Jackie was drunk on Mai-Tais when she married Owen.

Jackie breezed into the office, still wearing a lei in her hair, and greeted everyone with a sunny "Aloha." Nick accused Jackie of plotting a secret wedding while he was out of town, which she promptly denied. He said if it wasn't her, it must have been "Meathead," referring to Owen. Jackie found that name insulting and refused to answer Nick's question.

Nick announced that he had seen the bar bill from Jackie's room and was convinced Jackie was drunk at her wedding. Nick suggested she slurred her "I do's" and that Owen arranged it that way. Owen entered the office and asked Nick if that was any way to speak to his new step-dad. Owen mentioned if Nick wanted to, he could call him "Dad."

Nick seethed and then lunged at Owen. Bridget and Jackie got between them. Nick stated that he didn't care what happened in Hawaii-he had warned Owen before he left for his honeymoon that Owen should be gone when Nick got back. Nick said he was back, and he wanted Owen gone. Owen looked at Jackie and asked, "What do you want Mrs. Knight?"

Jackie glared at Nick, then took Owen's face in her hands and kissed him passionately. Nick demanded that Jackie meet him in his office alone. Jackie shook her head in disgust, but followed him anyway.

Bridget cornered Owen and chewed him out for betraying her. Owen was confused and asked how he betrayed her. Bridget explained that Owen promised her he would leave Hawaii and not ruin her honeymoon, but instead he stayed in Hawaii, married Jackie, and did ruin her honeymoon. Bridget wondered how she would ever be able to believe anything Owen said again.

Owen claimed he did not intend to break a promise to Bridget. He said he only cared about marrying Jackie. Owen concluded it was actually Nick's fault that they had to run off and get married because Nick worked so hard to break them up. Owen said he felt pressure to seal the deal before Nick had a chance to break up their relationship.

Owen said he would have married Jackie, anyway, even if she were penniless. Owen understood that Bridget and Nick were suspicious of him, but Owen promised to prove them wrong. Owen was determined to be the best husband possible to Jackie.

Nick went berserk and yelled at Jackie for her bad judgment about men. Jackie asked Nick to calm down and said he shouldn't take things so seriously. Nick reminded her that she married Owen, and thus, it made the relationship serious.

Jackie quipped that Owen made her happy and that Nick shouldn't worry. Nick asked if she would still be happy after Owen dumped her and took all her money. Jackie said she had been penniless and heartbroken before and didn't fear it. Jackie assured Nick that she was in control of everything.

Nick said Jackie needed someone to protect her fortune. Jackie stated that her money meant nothing if she didn't have someone to share it with. Jackie said even if it turned out that Nick was right about her marriage to Owen being a mistake, at least she would have had enormous fun making the mistake. Jackie realized her relationship to Owen was unconventional, but asked Nick if he would expect anything less from her.

Jackie told Nick if he felt uncomfortable about Owen, he could certainly keep an eye on him for Jackie, but she added that she would really just like for her son to be happy for her. She asked for a hug and he reluctantly let her hug him, although he did not reciprocate.

When Jackie got back to Owen, he inquired about which insults Nick used about him during their conversation. Jackie listed them off, citing Owen was a phony and was after her money. She added that Nick added a new insult and accused Owen of having "double ab implants." Owen asked Jackie if Nick would ever let up. Jackie just giggled. Owen assured Jackie he was in their marriage for keeps and was totally under Jackie's spell.

Nick ranted to Bridget about his suspicions regarding Owen. Bridget pointed out that Jackie was not worried about Owen, and so they should not be worried, either. Bridget stated that talking was overrated and that the two of them could be doing something more fun. She pushed Nick down onto the sofa with her stiletto heel.

Eric was on the phone inviting someone to the showing on Friday. Donna overheard him and asked if it was one of the buyers, but Eric told her it was a very nervous banker. Donna told him that the collection was fabulous and that all he needed was a good review and a bump in sales. Eric smiled, and Donna sat on his lap to give him a kiss.

Pam escorted Stephanie into Eric's office while Eric and Donna were kissing. Stephanie said she hated to interrupt, but she had some advice for Eric. She said that he had lost Thorne, Felicia, and Brooke, and he needed to do something positive. She suggested that he step down. Eric was shocked.

She added that Ridge should head of the company. She believed that Eric should step aside and let Ridge take over. She suggested that Eric retire and enjoy time with Donna. They could travel and enjoy their time together. Donna couldn't believe that Stephanie would suggest such a thing, but Eric asked Pam and Donna to leave him alone with Stephanie to discuss her suggestion.

Outside Eric's office, Pam made fun of Donna, who would be modeling the showstopper. They argued and then Pam handed Donna a glass to listen at the door of Eric's office. Donna used the glass, but then put it back on Pam's desk. Pam said that Eric always listened to Stephanie, and that he would retire because it was best for the company. Pam hoped that Eric would take all the Logans with him. Donna walked away and reminded Pam to order more honey bottles for a celebration after the showing.

After Donna left, Pam was on the phone ordering cases of honey for Donna and Eric. She told the person on the phone that it was a waste, but they recycled the bottles. Then she realized that she could buy the honey in gallons, and she ordered 10 gallons. After she hung up the phone, she laughed that Donna was going to get into a sticky situation.

In Eric's office, Stephanie warned Eric that Ridge was all he had left. She worried that Forrester might fail if Eric didn't promote Ridge. Stephanie believed that Ridge, with Taylor by his side, could restore dignity to the company. Eric told Stephanie that he would decide when to step down. Stephanie said that it was time for the family business to be turned over to the children. Eric said he planned for a wonderful showing on Friday. Stephanie worried that it would be his last showing.

At Nick's, Nick was irritated as he waited for Bridget. He was in bed, and she was in the bathroom. She slowly walked out of the bathroom in a leopard print teddy, complete with garters. Nick sneered that it made him think of his mother, the cougar. Bridget was in disbelief that her skimpy outfit would remind him of his mother. She asked him for help in undressing. Nick whined about his mother and Owen, but Bridget angrily told him to knock it off and make love to her.

At Brooke's, Brooke sat in her bedroom when Rick walked in and apologized for all the heartache he had caused her. Brooke told him that it wasn't his fault. Brooke knew that Ridge would never forgive Rick for driving the car the night that Phoebe died. Brooke said she would never turn her back on Rick.

Rick volunteered to leave Forrester so that she wouldn't have to, but Brooke refused. Rick told her that he and Steffy should have gone to Forrester International a long time before. It might have prevented all the trouble that Rick had caused by being selfish and self-centered. Brooke said that she knew neither Rick nor Steffy wanted to move. She told him that she and Ridge were apart, but they still loved each other.

Rick wondered what she would do, She claimed that she would stay busy with Hope, R.J., Rick, and Bridget. Brooke added that she still had her memories, and no one could ever take those away. She paged through photo albums of happy times and one of her earliest weddings to Ridge.

At Taylor's, Thomas and Steffy spied on Ridge and Taylor dancing by the pool. They commented that their parents looked happy. Ridge and Taylor talked about how it was clearly important to Thomas and Steffy to have Ridge back in the house again. They sat down to eat the food that Steffy and Rick had ordered from the French bistro, and toasted with sparkling water. They laughed that the kids had set up a romantic dinner and then claimed they would be gone for hours and hours.

Later, Taylor told Ridge that she never stopped loving him. She said that she missed him. Taylor and Ridge snuggled together by the pool. Taylor said that when she looked at the sky and the stars, it made her feel closer to Phoebe. Ridge agreed that he often looked to the sky for guidance. Taylor said that she knew Phoebe wanted them together. Taylor kissed Ridge softly as she said, "Come home to me, Ridge. Come home."

She kissed him again and again, and pushed his shirt aside as she moved closer to him. They were locked in a passionate embrace as Ridge kissed and caressed Taylor.

Backstage, Taylor told Ridge what a wonderful time she had the previous evening. She said that having Ridge in the house, along with Thomas and Steffy, made it feel just like old times.

Thomas and Steffy showed up backstage to wish Ridge and Eric well. Ridge told his children how great it was to see them so happy and carefree. Taylor said the kids' great moods were a result of Ridge having moved back in with them.

Before the show began, Katie approached Bill and told him that she hoped that he would review the show objectively. Bill said he would do what needed to be done. Katie took that to mean that Bill was going to try to undermine Forrester so that Eric would sell the company to Bill. Bill explained that Forrester was in a financial crisis, and that, at some point, Eric would be forced to sell.

Donna ran into Bill and told him to pay special attention to the showstopper, as she would be modeling it. She asked Bill when he was going to accept that she and Eric were totally devoted to one another. Bill said that the clock was ticking on Forrester Creations, as well as on Eric and Donna's marriage. Bill told Donna that he was available if she wanted to leave Eric. Donna made a snide remark and walked away.

Michael, one of Eric's bankers, showed up at the registration table. Eric hadn't expected to see him, but Michael said that the bank was watching the show very closely. When Eric said that the bank would be very happy with what they saw, Michael said that for Eric's sake, he hoped so. Michael suggested that Forrester close down some of its retail outlets, but Eric said that he wouldn't shut the stores down. When Michael walked away, Eric muttered to himself, "At least I hope I won't have to."

Rocco, one of the stagehands, showed Pam the catwalk where gold confetti would be dropped on Donna as Donna closed the show. Donna approached Rocco and Pam, and asked if either of them had seen Eric, her little "honey bear." Neither of them had. After Donna and Rocco left, the wheels started spinning in Pam's head, and she said to herself, "Honey bear? You'll get your honey bear," before laughing maniacally.

Thomas approached Rick and asked him how Brooke was. When Rick said that she would survive, Thomas said that was more than he could say for Rick. Thomas reminded Rick that with Brooke gone and Ridge and Taylor reunited, the balance of power was shifting right under Rick's feet. Rick, chuckling, said that his father still owned the company, and that he was still dating Steffy. Before Thomas walked away, he made sure that Rick knew that Steffy and Marcus were deep in conversation.

Backstage, Eric gave a pep talk to the Forrester employees. He said that they were going to show the critics that Forrester was alive and well, and as vital as ever. He told the group that they were part of the class and the elegance that had always been Forrester Creations. Donna modeled the showstopper outfit for Eric, and he told her how glamorous she looked.

The Jackie M staff -- Jackie, Nick, Owen, Bridget, Stephanie, and Clarke -- all gathered in Jackie's office to watch the Forrester show on the Fashion Channel. Bridget thought it was probably crazy over there for Ridge and Eric. Stephanie commented that Ridge had a lot on his mind. Bridget thought that perhaps the show would distract Ridge from what was going on in his personal life. Stephanie broke the news to Bridget that Ridge had moved back in with, and made a commitment to, Taylor. Bridget was shocked, as she knew that Ridge still had feelings for Brooke.

As Owen turned the television on, Nick walked over to him and told him that TV repairmen made good money. The two of them began bickering. Owen said that he was secure in his marriage, as well as in his job. Just before the show began, Clarke said that it felt like the Super Bowl -- someone was about to get creamed.

The show began. Eric made some opening remarks. He told the audience that, paraphrasing Mark Twain, rumors of his demise had been greatly exaggerated. He said that, as always, Forrester Creations was dedicated to style and elegance. The music started and the models began walking the runway. Ridge watched on a monitor backstage and told the group that everything looked great.

The models continued down the runway, and the audience seemed to be genuinely thrilled with the designs. Ridge and Eric were overjoyed with the audience's reaction. Ridge said that the show was a bona fide winner -- and that Forrester was on top again.

Bridget saw a design and commented that she liked it. Stephanie said that the design was "very Eric." Jackie said that Eric hadn't lost his touch. Stephanie's cell phone rang. It was Pam, calling from backstage. Pam told Stephanie to make sure that she didn't miss the show's finale, as it was going to be "one sweet moment." Pam stood on the catwalk over the stage, with a huge bucket in her hand.

Jackie said that Eric's designs were better than she hoped they would be. Bridget said that Eric had talent, and they should let him have his day. She said that Jackie M would get to have its own day in the very near future. Clarke said that the show was bumming him out, and he wanted the TV turned off. Stephanie said to keep the TV on, as she wanted to see the showstopper.

Donna walked down the runway wearing the showstopper outfit and received a standing ovation. She crossed up and down the runway so everyone could get a great view of her magnificent dress. From the catwalk, Pam purposely spilled gallons of honey all over Donna. Rocco dropped the confetti. To herself, Pam said, "There's your trophy wife, Eric."

Pam's scheme to embarrass Donna was thwarted, however, when the combination of honey and glitter enhanced Donna's look. The crowd gave Donna another standing ovation.